Horseradish

Protection Against Cancer and More

November 2009

Whether it’s fighting the flu and respiratory disorders or combating tonsillitis and urinary
tract infections, horseradish is a condiment that can help keep you healthy.1-3 Used to treat a wide variety of ailments over
centuries, nearly every part of the horseradish plant seems to have some medicinal value. Tea
made from its root has been used as an expectorant,1
while tea brewed from its flowers can be used to fight the common cold.3 A poultice can also be made of its roots to externally
treat joint discomfort. In addition, raw leaves of horseradish also fulfill a purpose as a
natural analgesic and, pressed against the forehead, can eliminate headache pain. Furthermore,
an infusion of horseradish has known antibiotic properties,4-6 which have been proven effective against pathogenic
fungi.4,5

A perennial plant, horseradish is related to mustard, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables.
Despite its long history as a versatile herbal remedy, however, perhaps the most interesting
health benefit of horseradish is emerging from recent studies of its anticancer effects.

What you need to know

Almost every part of the horseradish plant has medicinal value. Horseradish contains compounds called glucosinolates,
which promote healthy cell growth and increase the liver’s ability to detoxify carcinogens. Glucosinolates are commonly
found in many cruciferous vegetables, but horseradish has up to 10 times more than broccoli!

Glucosinolates and Cancer

Horseradish contains significant amounts of cancer-fighting compounds called
glucosinolates, which increase the liver’s ability to detoxify carcinogens and may
suppress the growth of tumors. Although broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and other cruciferous
vegetables also contain these compounds, horseradish has up to 10 times more glucosinolates than
broccoli.1,2,7,8

Glucosinolates are responsible for the characteristic hot taste of horseradish, wasabi,
and mustard,9 and two of the most abundant compounds in
the horseradish root are sinigrin and gluconasturtiin. Once inside the body,
glucosinolates are broken down into powerful derivatives called
isothiocyanates and indoles, which are believed to be the main
cancer-preventive contributors of horseradish and cruciferous vegetables.

A recent study from the University of Illinois indicates that the substantial quantities of
glucosinolates in horseradish can increase human resistance to cancer. Mosbah Kushad,
one of the study’s coauthors says, “glucosinolates increase the liver’s ability to detoxify
carcinogens and they may actually suppress the growth of existing cancerous tumors. Our analysis
of various horseradish varieties shows they are a rich source of these compounds.”7 Kushad’s study also reveals that horseradish is one of
the few medicinal vegetables whereby processing actually improves its anticancer benefits,
making it easier for us to benefit from its therapeutic powers. He says, “horseradish contains
an enzyme that breaks down glucosinolates into the compounds that produce the anticancer
benefits. So processing horseradish actually helps. It releases this enzyme and, when it comes
into contact with the glucosinolates, they break down into the compounds that are nutritionally
beneficial.”

Another recently published study from the University of Dundee in Scotland suggests a possible
anticancer mechanism of action for the glucosinolates found in horseradish and related plants of
the Brassica family. The researchers have found that isothiocyanates and
indoles are able to induce cancer-protective genes by activating specialized
transcription factors as well as inactivating the proinflammatory mediator nuclear factor-kappa
B. Isothiocyanates and indoles are also capable of affecting cell-cycle arrest and
stimulating apoptosis.10

On a biochemical level, it seems to be that the defensive properties the Brassica vegetables
themselves derive from glucosinolates translate to a protective effect in humans in fighting
cancer. A reduced incidence of different types of cancer has been linked to consumption of
Brassica vegetables, and there is evidence that glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products
also play a role in reducing cancer risk.11

According to Cornell University’s Department of Animal Science, vegetables containing
glucosinolates and their derivatives appear to help protect against rectal and colon cancer,
while also enhancing the activity of several liver enzymes used in detoxification
processes.9

Sinusitis, Urinary Tract Infections and Other Health Benefits

Juice or sauce extracted from horseradish root has been used effectively to relieve sinus
discomfort.12 The traditional treatment for sinusitis
is to “take a half teaspoonful of grated horseradish sauce without dilution both morning and
afternoon. Do not drink anything or eat for at least ten minutes after the dose. There will be a
powerful feeling in the head, followed by a sensation of the sinuses clearing, sometimes
accompanied with sweating and perhaps tearing.”4

Due to its antibiotic properties, horseradish can also be used to treat urinary tract infections
(UTI) and destroy bacteria in the throat that can cause bronchitis, coughs and related problems.
The German Commission E (the German equivalent of the FDA) has approved horseradish as an
adjunct treatment to prescription drugs for UTIs. It is believed that chemicals in horseradish
concentrate in the urine, and therefore deliver antibiotic effects to the bladder. They may also
activate specific enzymes that help to keep toxins from accumulating in the bladder.
Additionally, horseradish stimulates the body to eliminate urine, so bacteria or other
inflammatory agents in the bladder may be flushed out sooner than they normally would be
eliminated.13

One of the most powerful glycosides found in horseradish, sinigrin has been found to relive the
symptoms of water retention, due to its stimulating effect on the blood capillaries.4

A mixture of horseradish vinegar has been used effectively to treat seborrhea (dandruff).12

Horseradish is rubefacient, an agent that stimulates blood flow below and to the surface
of the skin. As such, this action makes the herb effective in poultices and as a very effective
liniment or massaging agent to relieve muscular aches and pains, painful arthritic and rheumatic
joints, and chronic rheumatism. As an external rub, horseradish has been used to relieve chest
congestion. The German Commission E also recommends external use of horseradish for respiratory
tract congestion as well as minor muscle aches.14

In addition to their potential uses as an anti-cancer drug, the glucosinolate compounds derived
from horseradish may have another very interesting health benefit. In botanical physiology, the
glucosinolates protect the plant from toxic or harsh environments.

Recent studies have indicated that they may have the same potential to protect humans from the
effects of exposure to toxic chemicals in our environment. A Russian study set out to test the
anti-mutagenic properties of a plant extract derived from horseradish. The studied plant
extracts and their mixture demonstrate the ability to decrease the genotoxicity of environmental
mutagens.15

“Horseradish is one of the few medicinal vegetables whereby processing actually improves its
anticancer benefits.”

Summary

The glucosinolates in the horseradish, Armoracia rusticana, have the potential to
increase human resistance to cancer and environmental toxins. They have powerful antioxidant
properties and can also be used to relieve sinus and respiratory distress. Glucosinolates also
act as natural antibiotics against different types of infections because of their known toxicity
to specific bacteria and fungi, as well as their ability to increase blood flow to the infected
area and more rapidly remove the waste products from that region of the body.

Mosbah Kushad, author of the University of Illinois anticancer study has also been involved in
studies of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and other cruciferous vegetables known to contain
glucosinolates. His work shows that horseradish has significantly higher levels.

“Horseradish contains more than 10-fold higher glucosinolates than broccoli, so you do not need
much horseradish to benefit.” In fact, a little dab on your steak will go a long way to
providing important health benefits.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life
Extension® Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

Additional Information

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